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Phil Hay shares 'critical point' for Leeds United after what Kalvin Phillips has told them
Leeds United “have to” get Kalvin Phillips to sign a new contract this summer as it is a “critical point” in his current deal, says Phil Hay.
The England midfielder is set to return against Southampton after missing a significant chunk of the season, as has generated major transfer interest from the likes of West Ham and Aston Villa.
Hay understands that the player has wanted to re-sign at the club since late 2021, and that he would still be happy to, but the time is now to get it done.
Hay said on The Phil Hay Show on reports the 26-year-old wants a new deal (April 1): “He said that to the club back in October, certainly before Christmas, and likewise the club would like to sign him to a new deal.
“I think they kind of have to in this window coming up if he isn’t going because clubs tend to see two years out from the end of player’s deal, particularly if they’re a high value player, as a critical point, where you either extend or you see them run down to 12 months.
“My impression with Phillips has always been that he would be happy to extend, although clearly there will be interest, and he must have ambitions to play beyond the level that Leeds are at in the Premier League at the moment.”
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What are they waiting for?
Everything sounds like it should be fine regarding the boyhood Whites’ fan’s future.
But if he has wanted a new deal since last year, and the club wants to keep him it is a slight concern it hasn’t been sorted yet.
If both parties are comfortable with the situation and are simply waiting for Premier League survival to be secured then that is no cause for panic.
But the longer it remains in the air, the greater encouragement those who are targeting him will take from the situation.
It seems more likely that Raphinha will depart, for the right price, and if that cash can be reinvested the club would arguably be stronger.
But losing both would be damaging, especially if one were to move within the division.
The sooner relegation can be avoided the better because there is important business on the horizon, and it would benefit the club to get their position sorted before the summer transfer window opens.
In other Leeds United news, Jesse Marsch has a scouting meeting next week with Victor Orta with a new striker likely on the agenda.